Rwanda | Profile Guide 2025, People, Tourism, Location & More!
Travel guide to exploring Rwanda. Discover everything in depth about Rwanda, one of East Africa’s premier destinations and a peaceful country worth spending a holiday.
This travel guide to Rwanda includes key aspects including location, population, religion, language, 1994 genocide, Kigali capital city, tourist attractions, accommodation, and getting there/around.
Also, get to know about Rwanda government, Rwanda tourism, the people, what to pack when visiting Rwanda, and more.
Travel/Profile Guide for Rwanda
Geographical Location
Rwanda is found in East Africa. It is bordered by East African states including Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and D.R. Congo.
Capital City of Rwanda
Kigali is the official capital city of Rwanda.
Rwanda Population
As of the 2022 census, Rwanda’s population stood at 13.78 million.
Rwanda Government
The Republic of Rwanda is led by President Paul Kagame. The Rwandan government consists of the presidential system, and parliamentary system, and there are different provinces.
Religion
65% of Rwandans are Roman Catholic, 9% are protestant and 1% belong to the Muslim community.
Language
French is the official language in Rwanda but other languages are being spoken. Additional languages being spoken in Rwanda include English, Kinyarwanda and Swahili.
1994 Genocide civil war
The 1994 genocide is a historic civil war that took place in Rwanda. During the event, about a million lives were lost and thousands were displaced.
The people
Rwanda is a country with warm welcoming people. Rwanda is dominated by Hutu, the biggest ethnic group which accounts for 85% of the population in Rwanda. 14% are the Tutsis and 1% represent the Twa people.
Currency
The Rwandan franc (RWF) is the main currency in Rwanda but US Dollars are widely used.
Pronunciation
The word Rwanda is pronounced differently in English depending on someone’s background. Usually, the ‘W’ is replaced with a ‘U’ and it sounds Ruanda while others pronounce it as Rgwanda.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is a safe and secure country/destination. It has enjoyed decades of peace and stability under the government of H.E. Paul Kagame. But there are petty crimes that usually occur, especially in urban places like Kigali capital city.
Tourist Attractions
Key attractions in Rwanda include mountain gorillas, Big 5 game, unique culture and their people, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, birds, mountains including the 5 Virunga volcanoes, Dian Fossey tomb site, and Lakes like Lake Kivu, Lake Cyahoha, Lake Burera, Lake Ruhondo and others. Other lakes include Lake Ihema, Lake Muhazi, and Lake Rweru.
Rwanda gorilla trekking
A gorilla trekking is the highlight of any visit to Rwanda. Specifically, mountain gorillas exist in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Over a third of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas dwell in the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Gorilla permits are available for booking at USD 1500 per visitor.
Tourism
Rwanda tourism encompasses gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walking, golden monkey tracking, cultural safaris, and homestay experiences. Tourism in Rwanda is like most African destinations is nature-based.
Game viewing or Big 5 game safaris, boat cruises, nature walks, hiking, hot air balloons, helicopter tours, and more are part of the unique experiences to enjoy in Rwanda.
Driving in Rwanda
Observing the road traffic regulations is essential when driving in the Land of a Thousand Hills. To be allowed to drive a car in Rwanda, you should have a valid driving license. You should also be above 18 years old.
Where to stay
Accommodation options in Rwanda exist in three categories; budget, midrange, and luxury. These exist across all the destinations in Rwanda.
What to pack for Rwanda safaris
Pack with guidance on what you intend to do on Rwanda safaris. But some of the essentials to consider on your packing list include waterproof hiking boots, a camera, a safari hat, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, insect repellents, toiletries, a first aid kit, and others.